Former Manchester United and Ireland captain Roy Keane has leapt to defend Jadon Sancho after his sluggish start at United.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City winger has not hit the ground running in the red side of Manchester, but Keane believes he will be fine.
Sancho has started just two of Manchester United’s first five fixtures. He’s only managed 30 minutes from two of these appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 21-year-old played the last 17 minutes of Manchester United’s game with West Ham United as the Red Devils won 2-1 thanks to a Jesse Lingard winner and a David de Gea penalty save in added time.
Roy Keane Backs Sancho to Succeed
Roy Keane Defends Jadon Sancho Despite Slow Start
“He’ll be fine,” Keane said on Sky Sports, as quoted by the Daily Star. “He’s been at the club what, two months. There’s been a lot of changes, new players coming to the club – give the kid a break. He’s still learning his trade, he’s still a young player, with big expectations.
Keane added: “He’s come to a new club where he’s certainly not going to be a star man, he’ll be down the pecking order and he’s got to adapt to all that. Give him a chance.”
Micah Richards Also Defends Sancho
Former Manchester City defender and fellow Sky pundit also defended United’s purchase of Sancho in the studio but said that it’s a different level when it comes to Manchester United.
“It’s not worked out for Sancho as we all hoped. Some players settle in straight away and some people take time. He knows he can do better, so far”, said Richards.
Richards added: “At Dortmund, his goals and assists were so pivotal but now, Man United is at a different level.
“You’re not just the main player in the team but as long as he keeps working hard, finds a bit of confidence, he can be a key player.”
Sancho’s Numbers
Sancho does boast an impressive amount of goals and assists. Over 104 matches for Dortmund, Sancho scored 38 and assisted another 51 goals. He has played in the Champions League and the Super Cup. He is clearly a top-class player who is capable of performing at the highest levels.
For now, Sancho is still trying to find his feet as a United player.
Sancho was a second-half substitute in United’s 2-1 win away to West Ham. Lingard scored the winner and David de Gea’s penalty save helped to secure all three points.
Manchester United and Sancho play West Ham again in the Carabao Cup this Wednesday. The Hammers will be looking for revenge after this weekend’s events. Sancho may get more than the 17 minutes that he got off the bench last time out, as he looks to prove his worth at United.
